Niacin-gout connection?

[Belfrybat]

I wan't sure where to post this, so please move the thread if appropriate.

I may have developed gout in my little finger, possibly due to the increased niacin I've been taking to lower cholesterol. I woke up with it yesterday morning and it got increasingly more swollen and painful and then levelled off around noon. The nurse practitioner is not in the office on Fridays, so I saw the vet (living in a rural area can be "interesting"), so it's not a firm diagnosis, but it has all the symptoms of gout. I can't believe how much it hurts.

In doing some research, it appears that increasing niacin to therapeutic levels can cause gout. Neither the cardiologist nor my NP warned me about this. So, my question-- has anyone here had experience with gout and have any suggestions for pain relief other than NSAISDs? It's going to be a long weekend. The vet gave me DMSO gel to put on it. Although not approved for human use, she's used it for years on herself and her family. I can't tell any difference yet.

[Mitra]

Sorry, I don't have any advice, but I hope the pain eases soon!

[gitfiddle]

BC, my husband will get gout in his toe sometimes and he has a prescription for Alopurinol that he has to take at the first symptoms for it to do much good. He doesn't take anything for pain because "nothing does much good".

I think it can last a couple of weeks. Hope it doesn't!

[Belfrybat]

Thanks, guys. I'm grateful it's not in my big toe which is the most common place. This is bad enough and I can't make the Prayer Beads so I'm hoping I don't get many orders this week (although I need the $$).

[majordude]

I have never heard of a connection between niacin and gout.

Allopurinol is used to prevent gout from reoccurring but it can actually increase gout attacks or the severity of them at the beginning.

Colchicine is used to treat gout during an attack.

If you are suffering from an attack and don't have colchicine, try baking soda. Mix 1/2 teaspoon with water and drink every 2 hours until you feel relief. It works by turning your body more alkaline. It is full of salt so watch it.

Go here for more info: http://www.icuredmygout.org/

[gitfiddle]

Interesting. I just read something yesterday on the Hyperlipid blog that indicated fructose as a trigger, too. I printed it out for DH.

[Jack]

I am a gout sufferer.

If you are prone, and begin any medication or diet change (body chemistry change), it may trigger an inflammatory attack. Surgery is also a sure fire way to experience an attack.

As stated above, Allopurinol is preventative. But in case of an attack, Colchicine is the only relief. It is sometimes attainable in health food stores (GNC) at lower dosage rates. It is extracted from tree bark.

I usually have to take it over a day and a half and in quantities enough to cause diahrrea. Not pleasant, but as you know by now, preferrable to the pain. No instant relief, unfortunately.